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Brasil

NGV Industry Developments Continue Ahead of Expo GNV 2007

Ford Ranger – Now available in Brasil with a CNG option.

Ford Ranger now available on natural gas

Brazilian energy giant, Petrobras has approved capital projects expenditures of US$ 8 billion in offshore projects in the Southeast region of the country to expand their local natural gas production and overall transportation capabilities. This will include an offshore production platform, nine gas pipelines, seven compression stations, five gas processing units, among other projects.

Most of these projects will be executed between now and 2009. The overall Petrobras “Plangas” – Gas Production Anticipation Plan, forecasts an advanced additional offer of 24 million cubic meters a day of natural gas until the end of 2008, and more 15 million no later than 2010. Most of this 15 million will be produced in the Santos basin.

The overall Plan has been made under the assumption of a 17% annual natural gas demand growth. The total gas offer is expected to be 121 million cubic meters a day, in 2011. Although most of the worldwide gas equipment suppliers are extremely busy today, Plangas claims they have already placed critical item orders, mainly from Brazilian suppliers.

It is also part of the planned supplying infrastructure, to build 4 LNG regas units, located in Rio de Janeiro, Ceará, Santa Catarina and Pernambuco. These projects will require a capex of US$ 1.5 billion until 2010, and additional US$ 2.5 billion from 2011. Those new units will contribute to minimize risks from the nationalization of the Bolivian natural gas reserves and will improve the Brazilian energy security.

Natural Gas Vehicle Growth Continues 

*Sources: ANP, Abegás, IBP – US$=R$2.14

By the end of 2006, the national NGV fleet in Brazil totalled – 1,324,905 units with 1,356 refueling stations were in operation to meet the needs of those customers.

Meanwhile, the use of natural gas in flex-fuel engines has demonstrated to be more efficient, in comparison with “gasoline” (with 25% ethanol).

Ford Ranger NGV available on local market

Early this year, Ford made their well know Ranger pickup available with a natural gas option. The vehicle uses a fifth generation system with sequential multi-point injection. The automaker has indicated they plan to follow market trends and customer demand for alternative fuels, particularly natural gas, which is averaging 200,000 annual conversions, in Brazil.
The automaker has promoted some changes in their 2.3 litre 16 valve engine, to improve performance on natural gas. The air flow to the cylinders has been increased and the valves have been changed to more durable types. With those modifications, Ford believes the engine life, working with natural gas becomes very similar to a gasoline engine.

The natural gas kit is managed by an electronic gas module, working in conjunction with the original engine module. Starting is carried out with gasoline, regardless of the position of the manual fuel selection switch. The turnover to natural gas only occurs when the engine is at the ideal operating temperature.

The conversion kit installation may take four to five days and has a warranty of two years or 50,000 km, given by Ford. All 2007 pickup Ranger models on the market, when converted by Ford to natural gas, regardless of the time in use, are also entitled to the same OEM warranty as gasoline models.
Ford’s reported objective is to convert 20% of total Ranger 2.3-16v pickup sales, which amounts to approximately 90 vehicles on a monthly basis. 

Expo GNV 2007

Expo GNV 2007 – The third edition of the Expo GNV is scheduled for May 3 to 5, in the Expo Center Norte, São Paulo, Brazil. The event is organized by IBP – Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute, in alliance with NGV Communication Group. The 2007 version of the Expo GNV will be arranged in an area of 8,000 square meters, covering exhibition and conference needs. The objective is to show the latest technology developments incorporated into advanced, economical and environmental friendly products for the NGV industry.

São Paulo is a pioneer state, having one third of refueling stations of the whole country. More information is available at www.expognv.com. GNV Committee Of The IBP- Brazilian Petroleum and Gas Institute • Av. Almirante Barroso, 52, 26th floor – Centro – CEP 20031-000 – Rio de Janeiro, RJ – Phone: (55) (21) 2112-9000 – www.ibp.org.br 

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